Understanding IPBES
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) plays a crucial role in global environmental governance.
Establishment and Mandate
Established in April 2012 in Panama City, IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body created to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services. It mirrors the role of the IPCC for climate change, aiming to provide policymakers with credible, independent, and policy-relevant scientific assessments. While not a UN body, its secretariat is administered by UNEP and located in Bonn, Germany.
Mandate: To strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being, and sustainable development.
A Global Initiative
IPBES brings together governments, scientific experts, and diverse knowledge holders to tackle biodiversity challenges.
Key Features of IPBES
Intergovernmental
Composed of over 140 member states, including India. Decisions are made by member governments.
Science-Policy Interface
Its primary role is bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and policy-making.
Independent & Credible
Assessments are based on rigorous peer review, ensuring objectivity and transparency.
Inclusivity
Incorporates diverse knowledge systems, including indigenous and local knowledge (ILK), and aims for balanced representation.
Policy-Relevant, Not Prescriptive
Provides information and options, but does not dictate specific policies, similar to the IPCC.
Collaborative
Works with UN bodies, MEAs, scientific organizations, NGOs, and indigenous communities.
Objectives and Functions
IPBES fulfills its mandate through four main complementary functions designed to build a strong foundation for biodiversity policy.
Assessments
To perform regular and timely assessments of knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystem services and their interlinkages at global, regional, and thematic levels. These assessments synthesize and critically evaluate existing scientific, technical, and socio-economic information, including indigenous and local knowledge (ILK).
Examples:
- Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019)
- Thematic assessments (e.g., pollinators, land degradation, invasive alien species, sustainable use of wild species)
- Regional assessments
Policy Support
To identify policy-relevant tools and methodologies, facilitate their use, and further their development, to support policy formulation and implementation.
Capacity Building & Knowledge Generation
To identify and prioritize capacity-building needs to improve the science-policy interface at appropriate levels and to provide and call for financial and other support for the highest-priority needs. It also aims to identify knowledge needs and catalyze efforts to generate new knowledge.
Communications and Outreach
To ensure wide dissemination of its assessments and other products to relevant stakeholders, raising awareness and facilitating uptake of its findings.
Major Reports & Contributions
IPBES has produced landmark assessments that provide critical insights into the state of biodiversity and guide policy actions.
Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019)
A landmark report, the first comprehensive global assessment of its kind since the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). It provided a stark warning about the state of global biodiversity and significantly influenced international discourse.
Key Findings Summary:
- Nature declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history.
- Around 1 million animal and plant species threatened with extinction.
- Loss of biodiversity undermines progress towards SDGs and human well-being.
- Transformative change needed across economic, social, political, and technological factors.
Main Direct Drivers of Biodiversity Loss (Global Impact)
Ranked in descending order of global impact according to the 2019 Global Assessment.
Note: Bar heights are illustrative of rank. Indirect drivers like societal values and economic systems underpin these direct drivers.
Other Key Thematic Assessments
Pollinators, Pollination & Food Production (2016)
Highlighted the critical role of pollinators for food security and ecosystem health, and the threats they face. Provided policy options.
Land Degradation & Restoration (2018)
Assessed global land degradation, its drivers, impacts, and options for restoration and sustainable land management.
Invasive Alien Species & their Control (2023)
Comprehensive assessment of the global threat by invasive alien species, their impacts, and control options.
Sustainable Use of Wild Species (2022)
Examined the importance of sustainable use of wild species and pathways to ensure it benefits well-being and conservation.
IPBES Conceptual Framework
A framework guiding IPBES work, illustrating the intricate interactions between people and nature, and recognizing diverse knowledge systems.
The IPBES Conceptual Framework is a highly simplified model of the complex interactions between the natural world and human societies. It visualizes links between: Biodiversity Ecosystem Functions Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs) / Ecosystem Services Good Quality of Life (Human Well-being). It also incorporates direct and indirect drivers of change, and emphasizes the value of both scientific and indigenous/local knowledge.
(Biodiversity, Ecosystems)
(Ecosystem Services)
(Human Well-being)
(Societal Values, Governance, Economy)
(Land Use Change, Climate Change, Pollution, etc.)
(Scientific, Indigenous & Local)
This is a simplified representation. The actual framework is more detailed and shows feedback loops.
Key Milestones for IPBES
A look at significant moments in IPBES's journey to becoming a leading voice on biodiversity.
IPBES Established
Established as an independent intergovernmental body in Panama City, Panama.
Pollinators Assessment
Release of the Thematic Assessment Report on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production.
Land Degradation Assessment
Release of the Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration.
Global Assessment Report
Launch of the landmark Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
Sustainable Use Assessment
Release of the Assessment Report on the Sustainable Use of Wild Species.
Invasive Alien Species Assessment
Release of the Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control.
IPBES and India
India is an active member of IPBES and has significantly contributed experts to its various assessments. The findings from IPBES reports are highly relevant for India's national biodiversity policies, its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and strategies for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other environmental targets.
India, as a mega-diverse country, faces many of the challenges highlighted by IPBES, including biodiversity loss, land degradation, impacts of invasive species, and threats to pollinators. IPBES assessments provide valuable scientific backing for national-level actions and policy formulation.
Significance of IPBES
IPBES is a vital platform for global biodiversity conservation, offering unique contributions to science, policy, and public awareness.
Strengthened Science-Policy Interface
Provides a dedicated global platform linking biodiversity science with policy-making.
Authoritative Assessments
Produces comprehensive, credible, policy-relevant assessments informing negotiations and actions.
Highlights Interconnections
Emphasizes links between biodiversity, ecosystem services, human well-being, and sustainable development.
Incorporates Diverse Knowledge
Consciously includes indigenous and local knowledge alongside scientific knowledge.
Identifies Gaps & Options
Helps identify research priorities and provides policymakers with options for action.
Raises Awareness
Contributes to global awareness about the biodiversity crisis and ecosystem services.
IPBES vs. IPCC: A Comparison
While often compared, IPBES and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have distinct focuses and approaches.
| Feature | IPBES | IPCC |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services | Climate Change |
| Nature | Intergovernmental body, assessments inform policy | Intergovernmental body, assessments inform policy |
| Policy Stance | Policy-relevant, not policy-prescriptive | Policy-relevant, not policy-prescriptive |
| Knowledge Systems | Strong explicit emphasis on incorporating Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) alongside scientific knowledge | Primarily scientific knowledge, with growing recognition of other knowledge systems |
| Scope of Work | Assessments, policy support tools, capacity building, knowledge generation catalysis | Assessment Reports, Special Reports on climate science, impacts, and mitigation |
| Analogy | Often described as the "IPCC for biodiversity" | The leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change |
Key Takeaways & Further Exploration
Understanding IPBES is crucial for anyone interested in environmental science, policy, and sustainable development.
Core Concepts to Remember:
- IPBES Mission: Strengthening the science-policy interface for biodiversity.
- Key Report: The 2019 Global Assessment highlighted unprecedented biodiversity loss and the ~1 million species threatened with extinction.
- Drivers of Loss: Changes in land/sea use, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species.
- Unique Aspect: Emphasis on Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK).
- Non-Prescriptive: Provides options, not directives.
For Deeper Understanding:
- Explore the official IPBES website for full reports and resources.
- Analyze how IPBES findings can inform national policies and conservation efforts in your region.
- Discuss the concept of "transformative change" as proposed by IPBES for achieving sustainability.
- Compare the communication strategies of IPBES and IPCC in conveying complex scientific information.
- Investigate case studies where IPBES assessments have influenced policy decisions.
IPBES findings are vital for addressing the global biodiversity crisis and can substantiate arguments in discussions related to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and international cooperation.